- Successful Test by Two Students
Congratulations to Pearson Snyder and Chris Felicetti on their successful promotion test to Yon Kyu (brown tips) tonight at the Penobscot Bay YMCA. They both keep coming through the door of the dojo, and it shows! As sensei Masters would always say: “Now work harder…”
- December Seminar with O’Malley Sensei
Join us at the Penobscot Bay YMCA on December 6th and 7th for a special seminar by Martin O’Malley sensei, 5th dan in Matsubayashi-ryu. The seminar will take place over two full days, with a focus on: The seminar is open to Karate practitioners of all styles. To those who are not yet familiar with…
Read more: December Seminar with O’Malley Sensei
- Successful Test by Chris Mariner
Congratulations to Chris Mariner on his promotion to Yonkyu (Brown tips) last night. His hard work and commitment is showing! Keep coming through that Dojo door and good things will continue to happen, Chris!
- Training Abroad: A Journey to Eastbourne, England
From April 7 to April 15, dojo owner and karate student David Troup had the incredible opportunity to train in Eastbourne, England, at the esteemed Kodokan Eastbourne Matsubayashi-ryu Dojo. Under the guidance of Steven Woolston sensei (6th Dan, Renshi) and Sally Woolston sensei (5th Dan), Troup immersed himself in a week of intensive and inspiring…
Read more: Training Abroad: A Journey to Eastbourne, England
- Five Successful Promotions to Green Belt
Congratulations to Garret Soucy, Seven Soucy, Judah Soucy, Watchman Soucy, and Perpetua Soucy on their successful promotion to 6th kyu (green belt) at the Penobscot Bay YMCA last night. They continue to work hard and it certainly shows!
- Two Successful Green Belt Promotions
Congratulations to Pearson Snyder and Chris Felicetti on their successful promotions to Rokkukyu (6th kyu—green belt). Their hard work and dedication paid off! keep up the good work!
- Dojo Demonstration at Okinawa Prefectural Budokan
On Sunday, November 4, 2024, members of the Rockland Matsubayashi-ryu Dojo joined with members of the Shinbukan Dojo of Rio Rancho to demonstrate the kata Wanka during the Exchange Karate Festival—part of the 2024 Monument of Honor Celebration in Naha, Okinawa. The members of the Rockland dojo were: The members of the Shinbukan Dojo of…
Read more: Dojo Demonstration at Okinawa Prefectural Budokan
- Successful Promotions
Congratulations to Pearson, Corey, Haydee, and Meg on their successful promotion testing today. Meg was promoted to Shodan (Black Belt), Haydee to Ikkyu (black tips), Corey to yon kyu (brown tips), and Pearson to hachi kyu (green tips). Keep working hard!
- Successful Promotion to 6th Kyu (Green Belt)
Congratulations to Chris Mariner on his successful promotion to 6th kyu. He has worked hard and it shows. Keep doing the hardest work—which is coming through the door of the dojo!
- September Demonstration on Main Street
On Sunday, September 15, the Rockland Matsubayashi-ryu dojo participated in a demonstration in the monthly Sunday Stroll series on Main Street in Rockland, Maine.
- Successful Promotion to 8th Kyu
Congratulations to Perpetua Soucy on her successful promotion to 8th Kyu (Green Tips) on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. She’s put in some hard work and it showed!
- Congratulations to Scholz and Roberson on Shodan Promotion
On Saturday, September 7, John Scholz and Adam Roberson successfully tested for their Shodan (1st degree black belt). Congratulations to them both on their commitment and their hard work!
- Congratulations to Stephen Mumford on Sandan Promotion
On Saturday, August 24, Steve Mumford successfully tested for his Sandan (third-degree black belt). Steven has been training with our dojo since 2009. His hard work and his commitment to Matsubayashi-ryu is evident. Congratulations on a well-deserved promotion!
- Demonstration on Main Street
On Sunday, August 18, the Rockland Matsubayashi-ryu dojo participated in a demonstration in the monthly Sunday Stroll series on Main Street in Rockland, Maine. Photos by Sally Russillo
- Successful Testing for 8th Kyu
Congratulations to Garrett, Seven, Judah, and Watchman Soucy, who each successfully tested for Hachikyu (green tips). A lot of work went into this, and it showed. Keep training hard!
- Successful Testing Goldberger and Dole
Congratulations to Patrick Dole and Luci Goldberger on their successful promotion to Nikyu (Brown Belt) at the Penobscot Bay YMCA last night. Much practice and training went into this—and it showed!
- Congratulations to Kyle Reniche on Sandan Promotion
On Saturday, May 25, Kyle Reniche successfully tested for his Sandan (third-degree black belt). Kyle has been a key member of our dojo since 2007. His hard work and his commitment to Matsubayashi-ryu is evident. Congratulations on a well-deserved promotion!
- Successful Testing Chris Mariner and Draa Mackey
Congratulations to Chris Mariner and to Draa Mackey on their successful testing for 8th Kyu (Green Tips) on April 16, 2024. They put in the hard work and it showed. Keep coming through the door to the dojo!
- Successful Testing by Corey Fougner
Congratulations to Corey Fougner who successfully tested for 6th kyu (green belt). She put in the hard work and it showed! Keep coming through that door to the dojo!
- Successful Testing by Chris Felicetti
Congratulations to Chris Felicetti on his successful testing for 8th kyu. Keep working hard on the basics. The hardest part is getting through the door, the rest takes care of itself. Well done!
- Successful Testing for Shodan
Congratulations to Mary Ann Heinzen-Hackett on her successful promotion to Shodan on Thursday, February 22, 2024. She performed all kata, bunkai, and yakusoku kumite successfully as well as passing her oral examination. Well done! Keep working hard!
- Successful Testing
Congratulations to Haydee Temple and Corey Fougner on their successful promotion tests. Corey was promoted to 8th kyu (green tips) and Haydee to 4th kyu (brown tips). Well done both of you. Keep working hard on the basics!
- Successful Testing
Congratulations to Patrick Dole and Luci Goldberger on their successful testing for 4th kyu (brown tips). Good focus on the basics, and understanding of the kata. Keep working hard!
- Successful Testing for 8th Kyu
Congratulations to Leah Adolphsen on her successful testing for 8th kyu. Basics look strong. Keep coming through the door and working hard!
- Successful Testig for Ikkyu
Congratulations to Meg Barclay and John Scholz on their successful testing for Ikkyu—black tips. They’ve been working hard and it shows!
- Successful Testing for Sandan
On Saturday, July 22, Joseph Russillo and John Thibodeau successfully tested for third degree black belt—Sandan. We congratulate them. Keep training hard—the work and the committment is shining through!
- A trip to Okinawa
From November 7th through the 20th, I had the chance to once again visit Okinawa. This was my third trip to the island, and I was grateful for the opportunity to explore some of the key karate-related sites in Naha, partake in delicious and traditional food, most importantly, to train with Taira Yoshitaka Sensei, Arakaki…
Read more: A trip to Okinawa
- Congratulations to Mark Kelly
Congratulations to Mark Kelly on his promotion to green belt. Making wonderful progress! And welcome to our new students! We’re truly grateful for the terrific energy you bring to our class, and for forcing us to once again see things with a beginner’s mind!
- The COVID-19 and The Memorial Events for founder Shoshin Nagamine in Okinawa
The COVID-19 and The Memorial Events for founder Shoshin Nagamine in Okinawa Posted on April 11, 2020
- Congratulations on Successful Testing
Congratulations to Richard Podolsky, Jim Nickelson, Mary Ann Heinzen-Hackett, Daniel Donnelly, Lyn Cathryn Donnelly, and Stephen Pease on their successful testing yesterday at the Penobscot Bay YMCA. Richard and Jim were promoted to 7th Kyu, Mary Ann and Daniel were promoted to 4th Kyu, Lyn was promoted to 1st Kyu, and Stephen received his promotion to ni-dan. Congratulations all!
- David Troup’s Recent Okinawa Trip
From March 19th to the 29th I had the tremendous joy of training in and around Naha, Okinawa— a trip that not only revealed to me untold new understandings of fundamental kihon, kata, bunkai, and yakusoku kumite, but also brought to life karate history and culture in a fascinating and most unexpected way.
- A Message from the President of the WMKA
Dear WMKA members from around the world, A Happy New Year! Shin-nen akemashite omedetou gozaimasu! I congratulate you all in welcoming a bright new year wherever you are living now. We are celebrating a wonderful new year with our families, friends and communities here in Okinawa.
- Congrats John Thibodeau
Huge congratulations go out to John Thibodeau on his recent promotion to Sho Dan — first degree black belt — in Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do. Very hard work clearly pays off. Well done sir!
- Congrats to Lyn Tesseyman
Congratulations to Lyn on her Brown Tips promotion. Keep working hard!
- Congrats Ramza Trakošević
Congratulations to Ramza Trakošević on her promotion to Brown Tips! Great focus! Keep up the good work!
Congratulations to Pearson Snyder and Chris Felicetti on their successful promotion test to Yon Kyu (brown tips) tonight at the Penobscot Bay YMCA. They both keep coming through the door of the dojo, and it shows! As sensei Masters would always say: “Now work harder…”
Join us at the Penobscot Bay YMCA on December 6th and 7th for a special seminar by Martin O’Malley sensei, 5th dan in Matsubayashi-ryu. The seminar will take place over two full days, with a focus on: The seminar is open to Karate practitioners of all styles. To those who are not yet familiar with… Read more: December Seminar with O’Malley Sensei
Congratulations to Chris Mariner on his promotion to Yonkyu (Brown tips) last night. His hard work and commitment is showing! Keep coming through that Dojo door and good things will continue to happen, Chris!
From April 7 to April 15, dojo owner and karate student David Troup had the incredible opportunity to train in Eastbourne, England, at the esteemed Kodokan Eastbourne Matsubayashi-ryu Dojo. Under the guidance of Steven Woolston sensei (6th Dan, Renshi) and Sally Woolston sensei (5th Dan), Troup immersed himself in a week of intensive and inspiring… Read more: Training Abroad: A Journey to Eastbourne, England
Congratulations to Garret Soucy, Seven Soucy, Judah Soucy, Watchman Soucy, and Perpetua Soucy on their successful promotion to 6th kyu (green belt) at the Penobscot Bay YMCA last night. They continue to work hard and it certainly shows!
Congratulations to Pearson Snyder and Chris Felicetti on their successful promotions to Rokkukyu (6th kyu—green belt). Their hard work and dedication paid off! keep up the good work!
On Sunday, November 4, 2024, members of the Rockland Matsubayashi-ryu Dojo joined with members of the Shinbukan Dojo of Rio Rancho to demonstrate the kata Wanka during the Exchange Karate Festival—part of the 2024 Monument of Honor Celebration in Naha, Okinawa. The members of the Rockland dojo were: The members of the Shinbukan Dojo of… Read more: Dojo Demonstration at Okinawa Prefectural Budokan
Congratulations to Pearson, Corey, Haydee, and Meg on their successful promotion testing today. Meg was promoted to Shodan (Black Belt), Haydee to Ikkyu (black tips), Corey to yon kyu (brown tips), and Pearson to hachi kyu (green tips). Keep working hard!
Congratulations to Chris Mariner on his successful promotion to 6th kyu. He has worked hard and it shows. Keep doing the hardest work—which is coming through the door of the dojo!
On Sunday, September 15, the Rockland Matsubayashi-ryu dojo participated in a demonstration in the monthly Sunday Stroll series on Main Street in Rockland, Maine.
Congratulations to Perpetua Soucy on her successful promotion to 8th Kyu (Green Tips) on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. She’s put in some hard work and it showed!
On Saturday, September 7, John Scholz and Adam Roberson successfully tested for their Shodan (1st degree black belt). Congratulations to them both on their commitment and their hard work!
On Saturday, August 24, Steve Mumford successfully tested for his Sandan (third-degree black belt). Steven has been training with our dojo since 2009. His hard work and his commitment to Matsubayashi-ryu is evident. Congratulations on a well-deserved promotion!
On Sunday, August 18, the Rockland Matsubayashi-ryu dojo participated in a demonstration in the monthly Sunday Stroll series on Main Street in Rockland, Maine. Photos by Sally Russillo
Congratulations to Garrett, Seven, Judah, and Watchman Soucy, who each successfully tested for Hachikyu (green tips). A lot of work went into this, and it showed. Keep training hard!
Congratulations to Patrick Dole and Luci Goldberger on their successful promotion to Nikyu (Brown Belt) at the Penobscot Bay YMCA last night. Much practice and training went into this—and it showed!
On Saturday, May 25, Kyle Reniche successfully tested for his Sandan (third-degree black belt). Kyle has been a key member of our dojo since 2007. His hard work and his commitment to Matsubayashi-ryu is evident. Congratulations on a well-deserved promotion!
Congratulations to Chris Mariner and to Draa Mackey on their successful testing for 8th Kyu (Green Tips) on April 16, 2024. They put in the hard work and it showed. Keep coming through the door to the dojo!
Congratulations to Corey Fougner who successfully tested for 6th kyu (green belt). She put in the hard work and it showed! Keep coming through that door to the dojo!
Congratulations to Chris Felicetti on his successful testing for 8th kyu. Keep working hard on the basics. The hardest part is getting through the door, the rest takes care of itself. Well done!
Congratulations to Mary Ann Heinzen-Hackett on her successful promotion to Shodan on Thursday, February 22, 2024. She performed all kata, bunkai, and yakusoku kumite successfully as well as passing her oral examination. Well done! Keep working hard!
Congratulations to Haydee Temple and Corey Fougner on their successful promotion tests. Corey was promoted to 8th kyu (green tips) and Haydee to 4th kyu (brown tips). Well done both of you. Keep working hard on the basics!
Congratulations to Patrick Dole and Luci Goldberger on their successful testing for 4th kyu (brown tips). Good focus on the basics, and understanding of the kata. Keep working hard!
Congratulations to Leah Adolphsen on her successful testing for 8th kyu. Basics look strong. Keep coming through the door and working hard!
Congratulations to Meg Barclay and John Scholz on their successful testing for Ikkyu—black tips. They’ve been working hard and it shows!
On Saturday, July 22, Joseph Russillo and John Thibodeau successfully tested for third degree black belt—Sandan. We congratulate them. Keep training hard—the work and the committment is shining through!
From November 7th through the 20th, I had the chance to once again visit Okinawa. This was my third trip to the island, and I was grateful for the opportunity to explore some of the key karate-related sites in Naha, partake in delicious and traditional food, most importantly, to train with Taira Yoshitaka Sensei, Arakaki… Read more: A trip to Okinawa
Congratulations to Mark Kelly on his promotion to green belt. Making wonderful progress! And welcome to our new students! We’re truly grateful for the terrific energy you bring to our class, and for forcing us to once again see things with a beginner’s mind!
The COVID-19 and The Memorial Events for founder Shoshin Nagamine in Okinawa Posted on April 11, 2020
Congratulations to Richard Podolsky, Jim Nickelson, Mary Ann Heinzen-Hackett, Daniel Donnelly, Lyn Cathryn Donnelly, and Stephen Pease on their successful testing yesterday at the Penobscot Bay YMCA. Richard and Jim were promoted to 7th Kyu, Mary Ann and Daniel were promoted to 4th Kyu, Lyn was promoted to 1st Kyu, and Stephen received his promotion to ni-dan. Congratulations all!
From March 19th to the 29th I had the tremendous joy of training in and around Naha, Okinawa— a trip that not only revealed to me untold new understandings of fundamental kihon, kata, bunkai, and yakusoku kumite, but also brought to life karate history and culture in a fascinating and most unexpected way.
Dear WMKA members from around the world, A Happy New Year! Shin-nen akemashite omedetou gozaimasu! I congratulate you all in welcoming a bright new year wherever you are living now. We are celebrating a wonderful new year with our families, friends and communities here in Okinawa.
Huge congratulations go out to John Thibodeau on his recent promotion to Sho Dan — first degree black belt — in Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do. Very hard work clearly pays off. Well done sir!
Congratulations to Lyn on her Brown Tips promotion. Keep working hard!
Congratulations to Ramza Trakošević on her promotion to Brown Tips! Great focus! Keep up the good work!